A Non-Invasive Assay of Cochlear Function
Katherine Dwyer
Undergraduate Researcher
Chemistry Major (College of Arts & Sciences)
Evalyn Sherer
Undergraduate Researcher
Biology Major (College of Arts & Sciences)
Robert Withnell
Faculty Mentor
Robert Withnell (College of Arts & Sciences)
Project Description
The function of the ear can be examined using a non-invasive tool that measures sound in the ear canal that is made in the cochlea. But understanding how these relate to cochlear function is not simple and so further experiments are necessary using human subjects (and/or perhaps mice in collaboration with a colleague in Biology). A research apprentice would receive training in human (and animal) ethics and collecting data from the ear of human (or mice) subjects. The research apprentice would assist with data collection and analysis.
Technology or Computational Component
The experiments are computer-controlled, using custom-written software in Matlab. The student would be trained to run the data collection using the software and would receive training on writing code in Matlab.